PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON CHIEF WATER JUDGE APPLICANT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Beth McLaughlin

October 1, 2024 (406) 841-2966

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON CHIEF WATER JUDGE APPLICANT

Stephen Brown has reapplied for the position of chief water judge for the Montana Water Court. He was the only applicant. Public comment is now open on Judge Brown’s appointment. The application may be viewed through a link available at

Boards & Commissions (mt.gov).

Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

The Montana Water Court, located in Bozeman, was created by the 1979 Montana Legislature. The court has exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of all water rights claims in Montana. The chief water judge is appointed by the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court. This judgeship is not subject to general election. Public comment regarding the applicant is an extremely important part of the appointment process, especially given that Montanans do not have an opportunity to vote on the chief judge position.

Public comment must be submitted via e-mail. These comments, which become part of the applicant’s file, will be posted on the Judicial Branch web page and forwarded to Chief Justice Mike McGrath. Public comment may be submitted to:

bmclaughlin@mt.gov

After reviewing the application and public comment, Judge Brown’s name will be forwarded to the chief justice for consideration for reappointment. If appointed, Judge Brown is subject to Senate confirmation during the 2025 legislative session. He will serve through the remainder of the term.